Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate fusion of heat and sweetness. The crispy, juicy chicken is made healthier by cooking it in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crunch without the excess oil. The hot honey glaze adds the perfect spicy-sweet punch, complementing the savory chicken. With minimal preparation and quick cooking time, this sandwich is a great option for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or even a fun spin on a classic fast-food favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying)
- 2 sandwich buns
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
- Lettuce, tomato, or other desired toppings
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra spice)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
- Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and warmed through. Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or chili flakes if desired.
- Assemble the sandwich: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer. Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken. Add pickles, lettuce, tomato, or any other toppings of your choice. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwich immediately, while the chicken is hot and crispy, and enjoy the delicious combo of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: If you love extra spice, add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the hot honey sauce, or even sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before air frying.
- Different Proteins: You can swap the chicken for a crispy chicken thigh or even a chicken tender for a smaller, bite-sized sandwich.
- Vegetarian Version: Try using a crispy cauliflower or plant-based chicken patty for a vegetarian version of this sandwich.
- Add Cheese: Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or American, to melt over the chicken during the last few minutes of air frying for a cheesy touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat the hot honey sauce on the stovetop or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
How can I make this sandwich less spicy?
To make the sandwich milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes in the hot honey sauce. You can also substitute the hot sauce with a milder version or skip the chili flakes entirely.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just reheat it before using.
Can I make the chicken spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra cayenne pepper to the breading, or drizzle more hot sauce on the chicken before adding the hot honey sauce for an extra kick.
Can I air fry the chicken without breading it?
Yes, you can air fry unbreaded chicken for a lighter version, but the crispy, breaded coating adds a great texture and flavor. Just season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before air frying.
Can I make this recipe with chicken tenders?
Yes, chicken tenders are a great option for this sandwich. Adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster than full chicken breasts.
Can I use a different sauce besides hot honey?
Yes, you can replace the hot honey sauce with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the breading should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, regular honey will work fine, but you won’t get the spicy kick that comes with hot honey. You can mix in some hot sauce or chili flakes to create your own spicy version.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and flour mixture twice, or use a bit more oil spray before air frying.
Conclusion
The Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken, spicy heat, and sweet honey goodness. With the air fryer making the chicken lighter yet still crispy, and the hot honey sauce providing the perfect zing, this sandwich is a tasty treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a weekend snack, this sandwich will definitely satisfy your craving for something spicy, sweet, and savory!
PrintAir Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
The Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich combines crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Served on a soft bun with pickles and other toppings, this sandwich delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, all with the convenience of the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying)
- 2 sandwich buns
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
- Lettuce, tomato, or other desired toppings
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
- Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and warmed through. Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or chili flakes if desired.
- Assemble the sandwich: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer. Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken. Add pickles, lettuce, tomato, or any other toppings of your choice. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwich immediately, while the chicken is hot and crispy, and enjoy the delicious combo of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Notes
- Spicy Option: If you love extra spice, add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the hot honey sauce, or even sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before air frying.
- Different Proteins: You can swap the chicken for a crispy chicken thigh or even a chicken tender for a smaller, bite-sized sandwich.
- Vegetarian Version: Try using a crispy cauliflower or plant-based chicken patty for a vegetarian version of this sandwich.
- Add Cheese: Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or American, to melt over the chicken during the last few minutes of air frying for a cheesy touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
